Universal Gravitation - calculating orbital period of satellite

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital period of a satellite using gravitational principles and relevant equations. Participants are exploring the application of Kepler's laws and the relationships between acceleration, radius, and velocity in the context of orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the orbital period using various equations, including those related to gravitational force and circular motion. There is a focus on the correct interpretation of variables, particularly the distinction between acceleration and radius in the context of Kepler's third law.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into potential mistakes in the application of formulas, particularly regarding the use of variables. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to arrive at the orbital period, with some participants noting similar results from their calculations.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions a specific numerical value for the acceleration due to gravity (9.00 m/s²) and references a textbook for formulas, indicating reliance on external resources for problem-solving. There is also a note of confusion regarding the correct use of variables in the equations presented.

EEristavi
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Homework Statement
An artificial satellite circles the Earth in a circular orbit
at a location where the acceleration due to gravity is
9.00 m/s2. Determine the orbital period of the satellite.
Relevant Equations
a = V^2/r
T = 2 Pi R / V

F = G M m / R^2

T^2 = 4 Pi^2 a^3 / (G M) - Kepler's third law
I didn't use Kepler's 3rd law and this may be the reason I have a wrong answer.
However, I want to know: where I make the mistake.

## ma = \frac {G M m} {R^2}##
## R = (\frac {G M} a)^{1/2}##

##a = \frac {v^2} R##
##V^2 = a R = a (\frac {G M} a)^{1/2} = (G a M)^{1/2}##
##V = (G a M)^{1/4}##

##T = \frac {2 \Pi R} V##
##T = \frac {2 \Pi (G M)^{1/2}} {(G M a)^{1/4} a^{1/2}} = \frac {2 \Pi(G M)^{1/4}} {a^{3/4}}##
 
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EEristavi said:
a = V^2/r
T = 2 Pi R / V

F = G M m / R^2

T^2 = 4 Pi^2 a^3 / (G M) - Kepler's third law
Actually the Kepler third law formula (if you meant "a" to be acceleration) is wrong. "a" should be R (radius).
 
ali PMPAINT said:
Actually the Kepler third law formula (if you meant "a" to be acceleration) is wrong. "a" should be R (radius).

I copied formula from textbook, it had meaning of radius - forgot to change to R it.
sorry
 
EEristavi said:
Problem Statement: An artificial satellite circles the Earth in a circular orbit
at a location where the acceleration due to gravity is
9.00 m/s2. Determine the orbital period of the satellite.
Relevant Equations: a = V^2/r##T = \frac {2 \Pi R} V##
##T = \frac {2 \Pi (G M)^{1/2}} {(G M a)^{1/4} a^{1/2}} = \frac {2 \Pi(G M)^{1/4}} {a^{3/4}}##
Well, I got the almost the same answer (almost 5400) for both methods. What you got?
 

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